Own Voices Forum: Why Writing Matters (Horsham)

The Own Voices Forum in Horsham in July 2018 will explore how writing and storytelling can help develop new ways of thinking about the self, disability and community.

Who is it for?

The forum is for people with disability in Horsham and the Wimmera South West NDIS region, as well as arts and community development workers, disability and health service providers, teachers, local councils and libraries.

When we say that Write-ability is a program for people with disability, we mean that it's for anyone who experiences barriers as a result of their particular impairment or condition (such as the lack of physical access, communication barriers, discrimination or other people’s attitudes).

This includes (but isn't limited to) people with sensory or physical impairments, hidden impairments, ongoing medical conditions, intellectual impairments, learning difficulties or mental health conditions. If you self identify as a person with disability, or as someone who experiences barriers as a result of your condition, then this opportunity is for you.

Program

By bridging the gap between mainstream arts and disability communities, the Own Voices Forum will use writing to break down barriers to social inclusion and give people with disability the skills and opportunity to tell their stories their way.

9.45am - Registrations open.

10am - Welcome and Why Writing Matters. The Writers Vic team will teach you about the Social Model of Disability, best-practice language, advocacy and power, and share some tips on how to write about disability.

2.45pm - Learn about upcoming writing opportunities for people with disability in the region, and how to get involved.

3pm - Close.

About Jessica Walton

Jessica Walton is a 2017 Write-ability Fellow, picturebook author, teacher, parent, daughter of a trans parent, and proud queer disabled woman. She wrote 'Introducing Teddy: a story about being yourself' to help explain gender identity in a simple, positive way to her kids. 'Introducing Teddy' began as a Kickstarter project, and has now been published in the US, UK and in Australia by Bloomsbury. It has also been translated into nine other languages.

More about Write-ability

Following the forum, the program will include workshops, author talks and webinars for people with disability interested in writing and building writing skills for creativity and enjoyment. Watch this space for more information coming soon.

Special Offer: People with disability in the Wimmera South West NDIS region can also get 30% off a Writers Victoria membership before the end of November 2018. Find out more here.

Applications for Round 3 of the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund will open 16 August 2018, 10am.
Named in honour of poet, novelist and short story writer Neilma Gantner (1922-2015), the travel fund recognises the unique value of travel in the development of new writing and literary careers.